Using this tool you can create a database containing a virtual 'snapshot' of a location (For example: a folder or drive, offline archive, optical media, a slow network location). This snapshot can then be used in Duplicate Cleaner in future scans where the original drive doesn't need to be present or connected. This is handy in many scenarios - for instance comparing working files against a backup or a DVD archive, or for repeated scans against a network drive that would otherwise be very slow.
Currently only Regular Mode scans are supported with Virtual folders.
Important note:
A virtual folder is not a backup! Don't compare a virtual folder and then delete an original file assuming it exists elsewhere!
Creating virtual folders
You can create a virtual folder using the 'Create virtual folder' window. Access this from the Home tab.
Source drive
Select the drive or folder which is to be the source for your virtual folder. All files within this will be added to the new virtual folder (unless the program is unable to follow a folder tree due to a permissions issue). Drive letters or UNC paths are allowed.
Hash
Select the type of file hash that will be stored. This is what will be used to compare exact file contents in a scan. You can also select 'None' if you are only interested in comparing by file attributes.
Name
The friendly name for this virtual folder that will appear in the list.
Start scan button
Starts creating the virtual folder. Progress is shown below.
Pause button
Pauses the operation. Click again to resume.
Cancel button
Cancels the operation. Any progress will be lost.
Using virtual folders in the scan
You can add a virtual folder to the scan by opening the 'Virtual folders' tree node in the 'Available folders' tree on the Scan location tab. Drag the folder across to the 'Folders to search' list or click on the Add button.
If scanning by content, you can't mix different hashing types.
